Difference Between Curcumin and Turmeric

It doesn’t matter if I disclose the difference between Curcumin and Turmeric in the first line by telling you that it is the main biologically active photochemical compound of turmeric. It is what gives turmeric powder its characteristic yellow color. What is amazing is that Curcumin is that is responsible for all the medicinal properties of ground turmeric. Many cultures around the world have been making use of turmeric since time immemorial for seasoning their curries and to give a beautiful color to the curries. Mankind has traditionally known about the health benefits of turmeric and its extraordinary powers as an anti inflammatory, anti carcinogenic and antioxidant agent. Turmeric is being used in Asian cultures for thousands of years. The west got to know about this amazing spice very late through Marco Polo who traveled to China and saw its extensive use.

Turmeric

Turmeric is actually a plant which is a member of Curcuma botanical group. The root and stem of this plant are crushed and powdered into ground turmeric which is used in virtually every type of curry in various cultures. For the last 100 years or so, almost 5000 researches have been conducted on turmeric and its main ingredient Curcumin, and nearly every one of these researches have concluded that Curcumin is perhaps the most potent and powerful antioxidant, anti carcinogenic and anti inflammatory compound known to man in a natural form.

Curcumin

Curcumin has been extensively researched and its medicinal properties are beyond doubt. It is also antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer. It is one source that has the potential to provide potential cure against scores of ailments and diseases such as allergies, wounds and burns, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and many other diseases and illnesses. Because of its wonderful health benefits, it is no surprise that turmeric has been called a spice for life. Curcumin has the potential to deliver much and scientists around the world are getting surprised with new health benefits coming to light with every new research that is being conducted on Curcumin. In fact, you name the disease and Curcumin has its cure. Ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, Mad cow syndrome, cystic fibrosis, cancers of prostrate, colon, pancreatic and breast, Alzheimer’s disease, high BP, cholesterol, liver and kidney disease, heart diseases etc have a cure in Curcumin.

Though eastern cultures have used turmeric extensively because of its health benefits for thousands of years, its medicinal properties are coming to light now because of extensive research conducted on effects of Curcumin. Turmeric has proved its benefits through its application in many diseases being anti inflammatory, antifungal, anticancer, antibacterial, and anti allergenic.

Difference Between Curcumin and Turmeric

• Turmeric powder is the crushed root and stem of turmeric plant while Curcumin is the most active ingredient in this turmeric powder

• The yellow color of the turmeric powder is because of Curcumin

• In turmeric powder, Curcumin is found only 2-6% by weight

• Curcumin is responsible for all the health benefits of turmeric known to mankind since time immemorial